In the Oostelijk
Havengebied (‘Eastern Docklands’), to the east of Central Station, there
is a wealth of modern architecture and design, but there are also
contemporary hot spots in historic storehouses.
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Modern architecture & design
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The Oostelijke Handelskade
constitutes the heart of the Oostelijk Havengebied and has consisted of a
chain of storehouses since the end of the 19th century. Imposing residential blocks have now been put up between the storehouses as well as unusual places like the Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ (‘Music Hall on the River IJ’), where you can attend concerts as well as eat and drink with a great view of the IJ. The Bimhuis
puts Amsterdam on the map as prominent Jazz City in Europe. There is a
concerthall and studio's where musicians work and experiment. The venue
has performances of national and international jazz- and improvised
music acts. Anually, the main jazz award (the Boy Edgar Award) is
presented. Regularly, sessions are open to the public free of charge.
The Passengers Terminal Amsterdam,
a beautiful glass building in the shape of a wave, is buzzing with
cruise ship tourists coming and going. A cruise ship this big looks like
a sailing block of flats!
Pedestrians can cross from Borneo Island to Sporenburg peninsula over a rather impressive bridge: the Pythonbrug ('Python Bridge'). This red ninety-metre-long bridge winds like a snake and ends up at the Scheepstimmermanstraat,
where the residents themselves were allowed to design their houses. Yet
more attractive architecture can be found on Java Island with its
contemporary canals and nine playful bridges and KNSM Island
with imposing residential blocks like Barcelona and Piraeus. There is
also plenty of design for sale on KNSM, for on ‘design boulevard’ Loods 6 there are interior design and living shops like Sissy-Boy Homeland and Pols Potten as well as the modern children’s shop Keet in Huis.
Going out
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A little further on there is a number of unique spots for going out: in an old storehouse you will find Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen; on a replica of an old Russian merchant navy ship there is Odessa - where you can eat, lounge around and dance - and in the former harbour headquarters is Panama - a theatre, bar, restaurant and club in one. You can dine and sleep in the Lloyd Hotel, a hotel in a former young offenders’ prison where famous designers, artists and architects have left their mark.
Amsterdam has a nice variety of amazing and rare architecture ranging
from Gothic, Dutch Renaissance, Baroque, neo-styles, Art Deco,
Amsterdamse School, modern architecture and more. When touring the
architecture of Amsterdam there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Famous for its canals, Amsterdam’s city center canals provide an
excellent view of 17th and 18th century buildings and houses. Each
building has its own story, as the Keizersgracht, number 123 is famous
for the ‘House with the Heads’ story where it is said that a maid
caught six burglars red-handed and beheaded them with an axe. Building
number 546 has one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful clock gables.
The Architecture Centre Amsterdam (ARCAM)
works to promote the beautiful architecture in Amsterdam. In 2003, they
completed the build of this new location with its fabulous modern
style. The design of the ARCAM was done by architect René van Zuuk and the Centre continues to be an excellent source of information about Amsterdam’s vibrant architectural scene.
When you think of Amsterdam, many people think of the city center
canals. In addition to these canals there are also modern canals which
provide a stark contrast to the 17th- and 18th-century designs that
dominate the old city and the original canals. The 21st century
residences Eastern Harbor Islands are man-made peninsulas which show
interesting modern buildings in a variety of styles and designs.
Here are a few pictures of notable architectural designs in Amsterdam. Click any image for a larger version:
Amsterdam City Center Canals
Modern Canals
Begijnh of Amsterdam - Oldest Wooden Building
The Begijnhof is one of the oldest inner courts in the city of
Amsterdam. A group of historic buildings, mostly private dwellings,
center on it. As the name suggests, it was originally a Béguinage. Today
it is also the site of the English Reformed Church.Via: Massimo Catarinella
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Amsterdam Oude Kerk
The Oude Kerk (“old church”) is Amsterdam’s oldest parish church, consecrated in 1306 by the bishop of Utrecht.
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Architecture Centre Amsterdam
